Start Early Awarded Head Start Grant to Expand Quality Early Learning Opportunities for Children and Families in Chicago

Start Early has been awarded a 5-year Head Start grant to provide quality early childhood programs and services to more than 2,000 children from birth through age 5 and their families in Chicago. Through the grant, Start Early will bring quality early learning and care opportunities to 19 new under-resourced communities in Chicago, doubling the number of young children and families it serves.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence here in our hometown and bring new partners and perspectives to our work serving families and communities in need of quality early learning and care,” said Diana Rauner, president of Start Early. Learn more.

Advice & Encouragement for New Moms from Start Early Supporters

This Mother’s Day, Start Early asked parents to offer words of support and advice to new and expecting moms. We’re sharing some of the most impactful feedback we received:

Jane T. wrote, “If you're feeling totally overwhelmed, don't think you're alone, as you most certainly are not. Don't ever be afraid to reach out for help, or just someone to talk to!”

Jane’s advice to reach out for help aligns with research that demonstrates the link between caregiver mental health and early childhood outcomes. A recent Start Early blog post explores ways to better support caregiver mental health.

Paula A. said, “Caring for a child is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I have two daughters and a son who have grown into awesome adults… My advice to a new mom is to love your child as they grow. As they follow their interests, trust they will find their own life path.”

Supporting children’s interests at a young age empowers them to develop important skills. Engaging in creative forms of play can expose even very young children to topics that could grow into lifelong passions. This Start Early blog post features interesting ways to weave STEM education into your child’s play routine.

Finally, Diane K. shared a powerful word of encouragement to new moms: “You are making a difference in this world and to your child. You are everything they need and more.”

We’re incredibly grateful to those that shared advice and words of encouragement with new moms this Mother’s Day. Start Early strives to create a community of caregivers and early childhood professionals that collaborate to improve early childhood outcomes and offer parents crucial support.

Chicago’s Pre-K Policy Has Important Lessons to Teach Us

In a commentary for Ed Surge, Start Early researchers Maia Connors and Amanda Stein discuss our latest research finding geographic placement of full-day pre-K matters for access and outcomes.

Their latest research offers significant evidence that pre-K policy changes made at the system level—intentionally targeting high-priority student groups—enabled Chicago to achieve its goal of providing more equitable enrollment in Chicago Public Schools while improving academic outcomes. Read more on how the lessons learned in Chicago could provide a strategy for implementing policies to create better, more equitable outcomes for children nationwide.

Post-pandemic, what will September bring for the class of 2034?

Millions of children will enter kindergarten this fall having never experienced the routines of preschool because of the pandemic. How they fare when they show might compound inequities that have existed for decades.

In a commentary for the Chicago Tribune, Start Early president Diana Rauner writes about how an entire cohort of children, disproportionately low-income children of color, are at risk of exclusion from the opportunities of education because of the circumstances of the past year and a half. Read why it’s on us, the adults in these children’s lives, to help to ensure they are not unfairly stigmatized because of events beyond their control.

Diana Sands Named Start Early's Chair of the Board

Start Early is pleased to announce Diana Sands, former Boeing executive and Start Early Board member of 11 years, has been appointed to lead its Board of Directors.

“I’m honored to take on this role at such an exciting time for Start Early and a pivotal time for early learning more broadly,” Diana Sands shares. “Coming out of the pandemic and with the massive influx of federal spending, we have an unprecedented opportunity to transform early childhood and create a world where families are supported and prioritized when it matters most.”

Coping with Separation Anxiety in Children

Tips for Parents and Teachers

With a new school year starting soon in the wake of a year of virtual learning at home, it’s only natural that your little ones might have a difficult time transitioning back to in-person learning. But did you know that separation anxiety can manifest differently from child to child? In our latest parent resource, our experts offer tips on how to help your little one cope with separation anxiety so that they can feel safe and secure in new environments. Learn more.

Start Early advances quality early learning for families with children, before birth through their earliest years, to close the opportunity gap.

33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603 • 312.922.3863

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